Blog:

How Neil Gaiman Writes With Evernote

This article is part of a series that explores how authors use Evernote for writing. Evernote is proud to be an official sponsor for the 2014 NaNoWriMo competition.

Where does the time go? With less than two weeks left of November, many of you are scrambling to make your NaNoWriMo deadlines. It’s tough work, but now it’s purely about making sure the words are flowing.

The biggest challenge for any writer is stringing words together to solidify story lines. Perhaps it helps to know that most every writer deals with these tribulations. Take for example, Neil Gaiman, the prolific author who has created memorable characters for sci-fi and horror from American Gods to Sandman.

On the path to writing a novel, we all encounter the same detours, they just appear in different places.

We spoke with Neil via Twitter earlier this month and he provided some sound advice that will help you finish your novel, word by solitary word.

What keeps you inspired as you write?Hunger, mostly, of all kinds. And curiosity. And the discovery that you don’t have to be inspired. Just to write.

What daily habits do you employ to make you most productive?Write every day. Afternoon is my best time these days. When I was younger it was at night.

What’s your Evernote workflow? Do you have tips for writing in Evernote?I use Evernote for jotting and leaving myself the kinds of ideas I might otherwise lose forever. My wife used it to work on a book with her editor. I’m not certain how. But I’m a solitary type.

How do you know when the story is complete?A weird combination of feeling that there are no more words, and getting interested in the next project, whatever that is.

What does a note with your writing look like in Evernote? Can you explain the context?

One of those moments where a whole scene just turned up in my head and I knew if I didn’t write it down it would vanish.

To the next project! How are you using Evernote for your writing? Inspire your fellow Wrimos! Share your advice, stories, and tips in the comments.